“How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence”

NOTE: Due to anticipated large turnout, seating for the public will be limited. Doors open at 4:30 PM.

The Assembly Series, Washington University’s signature lecture series, enjoys a long and rich tradition. When the speaker series was established in 1953, its programs were held Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in Graham Chapel, and no classes were scheduled so the entire campus community could assemble.

Abstract for this event: 

Michael Pollan is not a wild and crazy guy. He did not embrace the drug-addled youth culture of the ’60s and ’70s. He is well known and admired for his sound approaches to imbibing food that is natural and good for you.

So it may come as a surprise that his eighth book is not a guide for eating sustainably or wisely. Rather, it’s a personal and scientific exploration of the potential benefits of psychedelic drugs such as LSD and mushrooms. Decades ago, these once legal hallucinogenic drugs got a bad rap from their association with hippie youth culture, but now they are showing great promise in treating addiction, anxiety, depression and more.

Pollan doesn’t dismiss the potential danger of dropping acid. Rather, he calls for a new understanding of the healing properties of psychedelics and a return to conducting research on hallucinogenic drugs to treat serious mental disorders.

This is a Science Matters Lecture; a reception and book signing will follow.

Learn more: Assembly Series.